THE AMBER FLASK

The setting is colonial Williamsburg where 17-year-old Ann Calvert and her cousin Gail hold summer jobs. The incidental information about Williamsburg is authentic, but Ann and Gail lack substance. This is especially evident in the dialogue which is, at times, inane. Ann's triumphant struggle with acrophobia is not realistic and adds nothing to her depth as a character. The mystery is supplied in the form of a thief who was stealing valuable objects from the restored area. He is successfully trapped with Ann's help and the familiar presence of a love interest indicates that she will presently spring another. Mild mystery plus mild romance, plus mild psychoneurosis and a double dose of historical local information totals out of a mild ho-hum.